Why Do Elderly Couples Such as Bill and Melinda Gates Divorced One Another? These are Experts’ Opinions

 (This is the translated version of an article that I wrote two years ago for Media Jabodetabek, part of the Pikiran Rakyat Media Network, and it ranked as one of the most popular posts on the website at one point. The original version is available here)

The news surrounding the divorce between Bill Gates and Melinda Gates shocked the world due to the fact that they divorced one another after 27 years of marriage.

Beyond the popularity of the couple, what is interesting is the reason why they divorced after being in a relationship for so long.

For most people, being in a relationship for a long time serves as a proof that there is no problem with their relationship.

Because they’ve been together for a long time, we assume that they already understand and accept one another.

This is especially true for couples such as Bill and Melinda whom, as far as we know, are not involved in any scandals.

In fact, Melinda expressed how grateful she was over her marriage to Bill on her Instagram account in January last year.

Meanwhile, quoted by Mediajabodetabek.com from Pew Research, the rate of divorce for couples over the age of 50 in the United States has increased.

The divorce rate for couples over the age of 65 has risen three folds since 1990.

Divorce is still more frequent among younger couples, but this is an interesting phenomenon to observe.

Thus, what became the reasons for divorce among elderly couples?

Belinda Luscombe, from Time.com, compiled several reasons behind the phenomenon from marriage therapist standpoint .

1. Financial factor

Financial circumstances can be a factor that affects elderly couples to separate from one another.

Financial circumstances here do not mean the lack of money or poverty, but rather, elderly couples divorce one another because they have money.

If there are no financial challenges that stand in a couple’s way, this can provide an incentive to divorce if the couple feel that their relationship no longer works.

2. Empty nest syndrome

This is a condition that parents feel when their children are already living their separate independent life.

When this occurs, there is a possibility that the parents may feel sad, lonely and feel like that they lost their purpose.

Most of elderly couples’ children are all grown adults and are living independent life. When they grew up, the couples may lose one factor that unites that their relationship.

This syndrome may also drive couples to question what do they want from life.

3. The lack of sexual relationship

One therapist that Luscombe quoted said that the lack of sexual relationship became one of the reasons that destroys marriages.

According to this therapist, people need touch, affection and romantic view from their partners.